3 minute read

Handy galloper Rembetica doesn't win out of turn but gets his chance in today's Cessnock On December 10 Handicap (race 2) at Cessnock.

The six-year-old, prepared by Dianne Lumsden at Newcastle, has won four of 54 starts but has a good soft track record and looks hard to hold out in this Benchmark 60 over 1550m.

The gelding resumed this campaign over 1200m at Newcastle and after getting well back and turning second last ran on well for a close up fifth in a good form race.

He stayed at 1200m next time out at home again and yet again got well back, this time turning a clear last, before again running on hard to place.

Up to this journey at Canterbury Park he drifted back on the inside form the rails draw but really wamred up late, running on into fourth behind Icy Mist.

Last start, over 1700m at Scone in this class, drew wide and went back to near last before circling wide and running on into a close up fourth behind Gargle.

Senior rider Jeff Penza takes over today but he will find this easier.

Scratchings on the heavy track have reduced the field to just nine but with a good record in slow ground he should be motoring home at the finish today.

Rembetica won his only try at the track and distance which was by five lengths in a Benchmark 58 earlier this year.

The Albert Stapleford-trained Blackzak is fitter for two runs from a spell and although well held in both it would be no surprise to see him improve sharply today.

Fresh up was over 1200m at Gosford where he ran sixth after settling midfield early.

He then raced in a Class 1 at Scone over 1200m and after settling midfield again worked to the line steadily to finish sixth again.

He is fitter for the longer journey and will carry no weight after the 3kg claim for apprentice Jessica Taylor.

The gelding doesn't have a very good strike-rate at all but his best form is on heavy ground, including his sole win over 1350m at Wyojng where he raced on the speed and scored by 3.5 lengths.

He might do the same in the small field here because few in this race seem to handle the ground.

Hello Gorgeous is a tricky runner who is in that category.

The lightly raced mare is racing well including a win over a mile at Tamworth two back before finishing a close up fourth in this grade last time at Gosford where she tried to lead throughout.

She rates highly for this race and on firm footing would take running down.

But her last run on heavy she was beaten 13 lengths.

She is a winner at her only try at today's track and distance and looks hard to beat IF she gets through the going.

It's a tough race for punters, as Etalica is also racing well but his best is on top of the ground.

Ality might be a better option despite finishing last at his most recent effort. His previous run was good and his best is on heavy tracks.